What is it about Christmas that seems to be so endearing to us? Why is it that this holiday, perhaps more so than any other, has the power to rekindle our fraternal bonds and unite us in communal celebration, altruism, and generosity? Quite honestly, before these questions can be answered, it should be observed that Christmas also has a dark side. While some people are brought together in the spirit of charity and mutual conviviality, others become bitter, selfish, and greedy. As a rule, holidays … more

A non-Christian ghost story that is more about the true meaning of Christmas than most Christian texts. Drawing from the yule mythologies far older than the time of Jesus, Dickens creates the true meaning and purpose of the yule spirit. Reread it each year; you'll find something a little different each time.

This is a classic. Great story. I love how he is taken through his life from his past all the way to his future and made to see how awfully greedy he's been, which makes him realize that he's better off being nice.